How to Get Free Drinks on a Plane

Which Airlines Offer Free Drinks?

Not every airline hands out complimentary beverages, so the first step is knowing what's included with your ticket. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Delta Air Lines: Complimentary non-alcoholic drinks on all flights. Alcohol is free in First Class and Delta One; economy passengers pay.
• American Airlines: Free non-alcoholic drinks on all flights. Alcohol is complimentary in Flagship Business and First Class.
• United Airlines: Free soft drinks, juice, coffee, and tea in economy. Alcohol is free in Polaris Business Class and First Class.
• Southwest Airlines: Free non-alcoholic drinks plus two free alcoholic drinks per passenger on most flights — one of the best deals in the industry.
• Alaska Airlines: Free non-alcoholic drinks; alcohol costs extra in economy.
• JetBlue: Free non-alcoholic drinks and free snacks. Alcohol available for purchase.
• Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant: Everything costs extra, including water in some cases (though water is required to be available).

How to Get Complimentary Alcohol in Economy

Getting free alcoholic drinks when you're seated in economy is about timing, approach, and opportunity. Here are the most effective strategies:

1. Fly on Special Occasions

If it's your birthday, anniversary, or honeymoon, let your flight attendant know. Many crews will offer a complimentary glass of wine or champagne to celebrate. It doesn't always happen, but it costs nothing to mention it.

2. Board a Long-Haul International Flight

Many international carriers — including Lufthansa, Air France, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines — include free alcohol even in economy on long-haul routes. Flying internationally is one of the easiest ways to get free drinks without an upgrade.

3. Get Bumped to a Higher Class

If your flight is overbooked and you volunteer to take a later flight, airlines often offer compensation including vouchers, miles, and sometimes a seat upgrade. That upgrade comes with free drinks.

4. Use Miles or Status

Elite frequent flyer status often comes with complimentary upgrades or at least access to complimentary beverages. Even a low tier of status on airlines like Delta or United can get you access to buy-on-board promotions or occasional freebies.

5. Credit Cards with Travel Perks

Some airline co-branded credit cards include complimentary in-flight drink vouchers. The Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority Card, for example, gives cardholders a set number of drink vouchers per year.

How to Ask for More Drinks Politely

Flight attendants serve hundreds of passengers per flight. If you want more than one drink, the key is being pleasant and patient. Here are some tips:

• Ask during the service cart pass: When the flight attendant is right next to you is the best time to ask for an extra drink. Say something like, "Could I get a second one, please?" Most will oblige.
• Don't use the call button just for drinks: Unless you have a medical need, using the overhead call button for a drink refill can annoy busy crew members. Wait for them to pass by.
• Be specific: Instead of saying "Can I get something to drink?" say "Could I have another ginger ale, please?" Clear, specific requests are easier to fulfill quickly.
• Tip on airlines where it's appropriate: On some airlines and charter flights, a small tip can go a long way toward attentive service throughout the flight.

Free Drink Tips by Cabin Class

If you're in premium economy, business, or first class, complimentary drinks — including alcohol — are almost always included. Flight attendants in these cabins proactively top off your glass, so you rarely need to ask.

In economy, the service is more limited. On short domestic flights (under 2 hours), you might only get one pass of the cart. On longer flights, there's usually a second pass and you can ask for refills between passes.

What About Water?

Water is always free on every U.S. airline — it's required by FAA regulations. If you're thirsty between drink service, you can always ask for water and it will be provided at no charge, even on ultra-low-cost carriers.

Final Tips

• Stay hydrated: Alcohol dehydrates you faster at altitude, so alternate alcoholic drinks with water.
• Know the limit: Flight attendants are trained to cut off passengers who appear intoxicated. Pace yourself.
• Bring your own (non-alcoholic): You're allowed to bring water bottles through security if they're empty and filled after the checkpoint.